Fermion and Simcere Pharma Partner on SSTR4 Pain Treatment Asset

Guangzhou Fermion Technology Co., Ltd., an AI-focused biotech firm in clinical development, and Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Limited, a pharmaceutical entity, have announced a collaboration to advance a clinical-stage pain treatment asset, FZ002-037, aimed at SSTR4. FZ002-037 is a highly targeted oral small-molecule SSTR4 agonist created by Fermion. 

Preclinical research suggests that the medication mainly offers peripheral pain relief while avoiding central side effects or addiction concerns, positioning it as an encouraging choice for those needing chronic pain treatment. This is the first SSTR4 agonist developed in China and the second in the world to enter the clinical phase. The medication has finished phase I clinical trials in China, and phase II studies for diabetic peripheral neuropathy will start shortly. Possible uses range across numerous chronic and acute pain disorders.

Dr. Deco Deng, founder of Fermion, stated: "We are delighted to partner with Simcere, a leading pharmaceutical company. As the first domestically developed and the world's second high-selectivity SSTR4 agonist to enter the clinical stage, FZ002-037 holds great promise. By leveraging Simcere's strong development and commercialization capabilities, we are confident in accelerating its progress to provide better treatment options for patients suffering from pain."

Zhou Gaobo, chief investment officer of Simcere, added: "Pain significantly affects patients' quality of life and remains a major unmet clinical need. Addressing these 'clinical pain points' has always been a core mission for Simcere. We look forward to collaborating with innovative partners like Fermion to deliver more effective and safer pain therapies to patients as quickly as possible."